John M. O’Dowd, 91, Navigator USAF and Educator of West Brighton, died peacefully on June 11, 2019 at VA Nursing Home in Montrose, NY. John O’Dowd graduated from Sacred Heart School and the Augustinian Academy before obtaining a bachelor’s degree in economics from St. Peter’s College in 1950.
John O’Dowd was especially proud of his service to the United States Air Force as a navigator-bombardier from 1950 to 1956. He completed many missions throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. He loved to tell stories about his many adventures.
Upon returning to civilian life, John O’Dowd worked as a fundraiser and development expert for Community Counseling Service. He married Margaret Nash of Grant City in 1958. His children were born in 1959, 1960 and 1961. Margaret died in 1963 when the young family was living in Spotswood, New Jersey.
Having returned to Staten Island, Mr. O’Dowd obtained a Master’s degree in education from Richmond College. He taught in the New York City public school system for 20 years, including time spent at P.S. 29, I.S. 27, P.S. 35 and P.S. 45.
In addition to his beloved wife, John O’Dowd was predeceased by his devoted parents Bernard O’Dowd and Mary O’Dowd (née Tallon), natives of County Longford, Ireland and County Meath, Ireland, respectively. The eldest sibling, he was the loving brother of the late Mary O’Dowd; the late Angela Schleier; the late Reverend Bernard O’Dowd, OSA; and the late Thomas O’Dowd.
John O’Dowd was a devoted father. He is survived by his children: John O’Dowd Jr., Esq. of West Brighton, Regina Clark (George) of Goshen, New York, and Mary Donnellan (Tom) of Cinnaminson, New Jersey. He was blessed with nine grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. John O’Dowd was especially close to his cousins in Newtowncashel, County Longford, Ireland: PJ Dowd, his wife Maureen, and their children. He will be missed by all who knew him. Friends will be received at The Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave., Staten Island, to commemorate his life. Visitation will be held from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm on June 14. The funeral mass will be held June 15, 2019 at Sacred Heart Church, 981 Castleton Ave., West Brighton. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Peter’s Ceremony, 52 Tyler Ave., Staten Island, NY. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Sacred Heart Church.
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